Course Description

The BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in International Tourism Management provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the global tourism and hospitality industry. The programme equips learners with both practical knowledge and transferable skills essential for success in this dynamic and expanding sector. Students will explore key areas including sustainable tourism, destination marketing, event management, hospitality operations, and cross-cultural communication.

This course emphasises experiential learning through projects, case studies, and optional work placements. It develops employability skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet the demands of employers and to progress onto further study if desired.

What You Will Learn

  • The structure, operations, and global context of the tourism industry. 
  • Effective customer experience management in tourism and hospitality businesses. 
  • Principles of leadership and management applicable to service industries. 
  • Professional identity, reflective practice, and career development strategies. 
  • Practical business skills for tourism management, including visitor attraction management and global destination planning. 
  • Key employability competencies, including decision-making, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.

Why study this course?

  • Obtain a recognised Pearson HNC qualification valued by the international tourism sector. 
  • Gain practical skills through experiential learning, projects, and optional work placements. 
  • Enhance career prospects in tourism, hospitality, event management, and destination marketing. 
  • Progress to the BTEC HND programme or top-up degree courses at UK universities. 
  • Learn under the guidance of experienced faculty with industry insights and support.

Entry requirements

Academic Route

Minimum Age: 18 years

Applicants must provide evidence of their highest academic qualification, which may include:

  • Level 3 Qualifications (A Levels, NVQ Level 3, Diploma, Certificate, or Access to Higher Education Diploma)
  • International Baccalaureate
  • High School Level Qualifications
  • Level 2 Qualifications or equivalent (for example, GCSEs, NVQ Level 2, Diploma, or Certificate)

Work Route

Minimum Age: 21 years

Applicants who do not meet formal academic entry criteria may apply through the Work Route. This route recognises relevant professional experience in the field, or related industries as an alternative pathway into higher education. Some exceptions may apply for applicants with professional experience in other fields. This entry route ensures that motivated and experienced candidates can progress academically and professionally.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not the first language, applicants must complete an approved free English language test that assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Equivalent qualifications may also be accepted.

Interview

All applicants are required to attend an interview with a member of the admissions team as part of the selection process.

Assessments

A variety of methods are used to evaluate student progress, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of tourism management:

  • Coursework, including research and formal reports 
  • Project-based learning and presentations 
  • Practical tasks and role-play activities 
  • Posters, leaflets, and case studies 
  • Oral, written, and online feedback to monitor and support student performance

Modules

  • The Contemporary Travel and Tourism Industry
  • Managing the Customer Experience
  • Professional Identity and Practice
  • The Travel and Tourism Business Toolkit
  • Leadership and Management for Service Industries
  • Managing Conference and Events
  • Visitor Attraction Management
  • Global Tourism Destinations

Study & Career Progression

The BTEC HNC in International Tourism Management prepares students for immediate employment and further study. Graduates may enter roles within tourism, hospitality, and event management sectors or continue their studies by progressing to the BTEC HND programme. Successful completion also enables progression to top-up degree programmes at UK universities, with entry points determined by academic achievement and individual university criteria.

Career Paths Include:

  • Event Planner – Coordinate all aspects of events from planning to execution. 
  • Travel Manager – Oversee business travel, itineraries, vendor relationships, and cost control. 
  • Destination Marketing Specialist – Promote locations to attract visitors and support local tourism development. 
  • Hospitality and Tourism Officer – Deliver customer service and manage operations in tourism and hospitality businesses. 

Graduates will leave the programme with industry-relevant skills, practical experience, and the knowledge required to succeed in an international tourism career.

Student Fee's & Finance

The Tuition Fee of the course may vary depending on the institution you wish to study at, as well as your status in the UK. The course is available for UK/EU & International Students and eligible for Student Loans Company (SLC) funding to help cover the cost of your tuition fees and other expenses.

If you are an UK/EU citizen or living in the UK on an Indefinite stay, apart from the tuition fees, you could also receive support from the government via Student Loans Company to cover some living costs while studying.

  • Tuition fee loans cover the full cost of your course and are paid directly to the course provider.
  • Maintenance Loan pays for day-to-day living expenses like rent, bills, food and books. Unlike the fees loan, it's paid directly to your student bank account once a term and you can spend it on anything you like.
  • Student Finance has to be paid back, however, you only make Student Loan repayments once you've left your course AND are earning enough. Repayments vary with your salary, and stop altogether if your income drops too low.
  • Students can also apply for other types of special support grants, such as childcare grants or Disabled Students' Allowance if eligible.
  • Moreover, almost all universities offer a selection of student bursaries. These are cash gifts you usually don't have to repay.

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